Ribbon Plate Fastening for Eccentric Roof Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In timber framing, securing a roof frame member to a wall frame without direct alignment over a stud can lead to inadequate transfer of eccentric vertical loads, resulting in bending moments on the top plate, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A method of installing a ribbon plate over a top plate using pre-applied fasteners that guide correct penetration and secure the ribbon plate to the top plate, ensuring proper load transfer through preformed passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a roof frame member is positioned directly over a stud, then the top plate is not subjected to bending moments, but it is not always possible or practicable for the roof frame member to rest against and/or be fixed to the top plate at such a position
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the load transfer function by introducing a separate ribbon plate component. The ribbon plate is positioned directly over the stud while the roof frame member connects to the ribbon plate, separating the positioning function (roof frame to ribbon plate) from the load transfer function (ribbon plate to stud through top plate). This allows the roof frame member to be positioned flexibly while maintaining stable load transfer through the segmented ribbon plate-top plate-stud path.
2Strength
If an additional top plate (ribbon plate) is installed to receive fasteners and secure the roof frame member, then adequate stiffness and strength are provided to transfer eccentric vertical loads, but the complexity of the connection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbon plate is pre-positioned and secured to the top plate before the roof frame member is installed. Preformed passages are created in the ribbon plate and top plate alignment, and fasteners are pre-positioned in these passages. This preliminary action ensures that when the roof frame member is later installed, the load transfer path is already established and configured, reducing on-site complexity while maintaining adequate strength for eccentric load transfer.
3Ease of operation
If fasteners are driven into the ribbon plate and top plate without guidance, then installation is simpler, but the fasteners may not be located correctly resulting in inadequate connection
Solution Approach 1:
Preformed passages act as intermediary elements between the fasteners and the final connection position. These passages guide the fasteners during installation, ensuring they are located correctly in both the ribbon plate and top plate. The passages serve as a mechanical mediator that translates the simple driving action into precise fastener positioning, simultaneously improving ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method of installing a ribbon plate over a wall plate, said method comprising, with the ribbon plate arranged over the wall plate, driving into one of the ribbon plate and wall plate at least one fastener extending along a respective preformed passage in the other of the ribbon plate and wall plate, whereby the fastener is guided by the passage to be located correctly in the plate into which it is driven in a connection thus formed between the wall plate and ribbon plate.